Fermentation Operator

Indalc Spirits Private Limited; Dhenkanal; On-site; INR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Indalc Spirits Private Limited in Odisha seeks an experienced Fermentation Operator to oversee the Pre-Fermenter and Fermenters in our grain-based ethanol/ENA facility, ensuring stable fermentation and high-quality alcohol yield.

You will monitor key parameters, coordinate with Laboratory and production teams, maintain records, and follow all SOPs, safety, and environmental guidelines. Rotational shifts and hands-on fermentation expertise required.

Qualifications

• 12th / ITI / Diploma or B.Sc. preferred.
• 3+ years in a distillery fermentation section preferred.
• Hands-on experience with industrial fermentation operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the Pre-Fermenter and Fermenters per SOPs and production plan.
• Monitor critical parameters including gravity, alcohol %, RS %, RST %, pH, temperature, fermentation time/age, fermenter volume and level.
• Coordinate with Laboratory for regular sampling and analysis.
• Maintain hourly and shift-wise production/process records in the plant application.
• Ensure proper cleaning, sanitation, and readiness of fermentation vessels and equipment.
• Coordinate with Liquefaction and Distillation for mash supply and wash transfer.
• Follow all SOPs related to startup/shutdown, chemical handling and fermentation operations.
• Maintain shift handover and communicate pending activities to the incoming operator.

Skills

Fermentation operations

Process monitoring

Yeast management

Data entry

Education

Diploma / ITI / B.Sc.

Job description

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Fermentation Operator to operate and monitor the fermentation section of our grain-based ethanol/ENA distillery.

The role involves operating the Pre-Fermenter and Fermenters, maintaining critical fermentation parameters, managing yeast and chemical dosing, ensuring stable fermentation, minimizing fermentation losses, and achieving consistent alcohol yield and quality.

The position will be responsible for safe and efficient shift operations and will work closely with the Process Shift In-Charge, Laboratory, Liquefaction, Distillation, and Maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the Pre-Fermenter and Fermenters as per SOPs and production plan.
• Monitor critical parameters including:
  • Gravity
  • Alcohol %
  • RS %
  • RST %
  • pH
  • Temperature
  • Fermentation time / age
  • Fermenter volume and level
• Ensure proper filling, fermentation, transfer, and batch completion.
• Maintain proper dosing of:
  • Yeast
  • Enzymes
  • Urea
  • Antibiotics
  • Boosters
  • Antifoam
• Coordinate with the Laboratory for regular sampling and analysis.
• Take appropriate process action based on laboratory results and operating parameters.
• Monitor yeast health, fermentation performance, and fermentation cycle time.
• Identify and respond to abnormal fermentation conditions such as:
  • Slow fermentation
  • High residual sugar
  • pH deviation
  • Temperature deviation
  • Contamination
  • Low alcohol formation
• Ensure proper transfer of fermented wash to the Distillation section.
• Maintain accurate hourly and shift-wise production/process records in the plant application.
• Ensure proper cleaning, sanitation, and readiness of fermentation vessels and associated equipment.
• Coordinate with Liquefaction to ensure consistent mash supply to fermentation.
• Coordinate with Distillation to ensure timely fermented wash transfer.
• Inform the Shift In-Charge immediately about process deviations, equipment problems, or abnormal fermentation results.
• Follow all SOPs related to startup, shutdown, cleaning, chemical handling, and fermentation operations.
• Maintain proper housekeeping and operational discipline in the fermentation area.
• Follow all plant safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Ensure effective shift handover and communicate pending activities and process issues to the incoming operator.

Qualifications

Must Have

• 12th / ITI / Diploma / B.Sc. preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in a distillery fermentation section preferred.
• Hands-on experience with industrial fermentation operations.
• Good understanding of yeast, enzymes, nutrients, pH, temperature, gravity, RS and alcohol formation.
• Experience in grain-based ethanol / ENA distillery will be preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge and ability to enter production/process data.
• Willingness to work in rotational shifts.

Qualities

• Strong practical knowledge of fermentation operations.
• Good troubleshooting and process-monitoring skills.
• Strong attention to process parameters and product quality.
• Good coordination with Laboratory and Production teams.
• Safety-conscious and disciplined.
• Ability to work independently during shifts.
• Good communication and shift handover skills.

Salary as per industry standards (based on experience). CANDIDATES WITHOUT DISTILLERY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE SHALL NOT APPLY.